Arthur Ryan

We've all been complimented on an outfit before, and replied with a swift; "Thanks gal, it's from Penneys" to scores of disbelieving crowds.

Today, the queen of affordable fashion is celebrating 50 years of business since opening on Mary Street in Dublin in 1969. The golden jubilee of the iconic brand is gifting shoppers with a new collection.

The first store grew and gained loving fans, becoming famous with Irish and international fashion fans alike. The company now has 372 stores in 12 countries, over 75,000 employees and 15 million square feet of retail space.

The store brings 'Amazing Fashion at Amazing Prices' to the masses, and we owe it dearly for many killer outfits and Harry Potter merch.

The brand operates as Primark outside of Ireland, and has become a huge success story over the last 50 years. It plans to expand into Eastern Europe in the future, having just opened a store in Slovenia last month.

The largest store yet was opened in Birmingham this year, with five floors and 160,000 sq. feet of retail space. Primark's biggest beauty studio to date is featured, as well as a barbers and three restaurants.

With womenswear, kidswear, menswear and homeware in it's arsenal, Penneys continues to evolve it's homewear range and has achieved Leaping Bunny certification from Cruelty-Free International for all its own brand, Primark PS... products last year.

Ranges from jeans to pyjamas made using sustainably sourced cotton, grown by farmers trained through Primark’s Sustainable Cotton Programme, are now a regular store staple.

We were LOVING their eco-friendly biodegradable glitter, which launched last month just in time for festivals.

The brand are aware that there's more to be done, and wants to ensure their products are made with care and respect for the environment and workers making the clothing.

“The doors to the very first Penneys opened on Mary Street 50 years ago today, and I am so proud of everything we have achieved together in that time – starting from humble beginnings with just one store to now serving over one million customers a day."

The Lion King collection, released today, has already sent fans into a frenzy. Prices start from just €3.50, so you can imagine the rush to buy the entire range.

The amazing line include a white jumper with all your favourite characters from the hit movie, denim shorts, trainers and a yellow bag. Penneys have even created a beauty aspect to the line.

A three pack of lipsticks, a €6 highlighter palette and a mini eye shadow palette are all part and parcel of the range, and we've reached peak excitement.

Penneys bedding from €17

There's even a gorgeous duvet set that is sure to be snapped up quick. We have our eyes on a terracotta hoodie with a mini Simba's face on it for €14…

The shop dropped a 'Feeling Proud' collection to mark pride weekend in support of LGBTQ rights a few weeks ago too, not to mention a Toy Story 4 range.

Paul Merchant also made sure to give his thanks to Penneys' exceptionally loyal customers;

"I would like to thank our customers for their loyalty over the past five decades. We look forward to providing them with an exceptional shopping experience into the future."

The visionary company is celebrating in style in its Mary Street store, encouraging customers to drop by today to join in the fun and fashion from 12pm onwards with a live DJ, giveaways and treat stations throughout the day.

May as well pop in, you may just get a well-deserved gift out of it. Not to mention it's time to scout out that incredible Lion King collection before it sells out…